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HIGHLAND RAMS

The Hurry-Up — Highland finished 8-4 overall in 2015, 4-1 in Region 5, and lost to Timpview, 49-27, in the Class 4A semifinals.

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it's off to work we go. Highland might not be mining rubies and diamonds or sheltering a princess from an evil queen, but the Rams possess the same lunchpail work mentality as the seven dwarfs.

Highland coach Brody Benson, ironically a self-admitted fan of Disney movies as a father of small children, says his program prides itself on the mentality of hard work. The Rams, for reasons unknown, typically reside in the shadows. They don't blind spectators with flash or demand headlines as outspoken characters. Instead, they strap it up, and produce a whole lot of wins in the process.

"We're more concerned about the work and the effort, basically good things come to those who work hard," Benson said.

Added two-way starter Jake Boren: "We always come in with that underdog mentality. We're kind of used to it. It's definitely fun to come out and prove people wrong."

Last year was a prime example. Highland wasn't expected to advance to the state semifinals, where, minus a few self-inflicted errors — including two fumbles against Timpview — the Rams were more than qualified to play for a state title. The pain of that loss, obviously, resonates, but Highland is staying true to its character: Today is what matters. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Put in the work today and strive to be better.

"I try not to look too much at the past," Benson said. "It's something you kind of play off, as far as trying to make it one game better, but ultimately this is a brand new team, it's a brand new year, so we have our same goals, is just to be the toughest, nastiest team in the state and get after teams. If you can do that, the scoreboard will take care of itself"

QUARTERBACKS — James Pembroke returns behind center. Relatively unknown at the beginning of last season, the senior is now the face of the program and one of the top quarterbacks in the classification. "Anytime you can have a quarterback two years, obviously he's going to make your offense that much better," Benson said. "It's good, especially the leadership inside the huddle. Those kids look and see experience, and they understand that." Pembroke said although he's generating headlines and demanding attention from opponents, he hasn't changed his regiment. "I've prepared the same since freshman year," he explained. "Nothing different. Just working hard."

RUNNING BACKS — Highland is founded on the ability to establish the line of scrimmage and physically demoralize opponents with a steady dose of speed and power from its backfield. The Rams are more than equipped to effectively introduce that type of attack once again this season. Lilo Clark and Soseti Tupola will share time at fullback, while Boren, Brady Reed and Trayton Keyes will rotate at wing.

RECEIVERS — Benson said his receiving corps has "a little bit more size than we've had. They're thicker bodies, they're not necessarily the guys who are going to burn you." Look for Izzy Vaifoou, Elijah Shelton and Brandt Graham to claim the majority of the reps. Jackson Hawes will enter the equation, too.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN — Size and strength are two areas Highland is flush with. Colton Pulver, who started last year at tackle, is moving to center. Kenta Yamazaki is another returning starter at tackle. Denzel Gaston and Hunter Lotulelei are slotted at guard. Michael and Kaufusi Pakofe, Caden Hilborn and Tevita Tuha are in the mix, as well.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN — The Rams won't platoon in the trenches, as starters on the offensive line are expected to contribute on both sides of the ball. The same names listed on offense will also be thrust into the interior of the defense, but Benson said the team has a depth up front to rotate fresh bodies.

LINEBACKERS — In addition to the two fullbacks — Tupola and Clark — who collectively accounted for 97 tackles last season, Jacob Kayser and Bryan Geertgens will see time in the middle of the defense.

DEFENSIVE BACKS — Jake Boren is back, which is excellent news. The Rams desperately missed his presence in the postseason last year after he suffered a broken collarbone. "It was tough, sitting on the sideline up at Rice-Eccles was not fun," Boren said. "I've been putting in a lot of work in the weight room and physical therapy trying to get back up to speed, trying to get myself healthy." Ben Berg, who missed the entire season after breaking his arm, is also back in the fold, while Trayton Keyes, Siope Tenifa, who'll move from safety to corner, Brady Reed, Brandt Graham and Bronson Olevao. Despite the plethora of names, the secondary is inexperienced, but talented.

KEY PLAYERS

James Pembroke, QB — This is obvious. Pembroke is the unquestioned leader on this team, and the Rams' success hinges on him duplicating his performance again this year.

Jake Boren, RB/DB — Versatile, athletic player who can knock heads with anybody.

Lilo Clark, RB/LB — Huge emphasis on both sides of the ball. Clark will dictate the tempo.

KEY LOSSES

Jayden Palauni, OL/DL — One of the top linemen in the 4A classification last year will be difficult to replace.

Andrew Parkin, RB/DB — Another presence on both sides of the ball last season.

Ryan Lambson, WR — Led the team in receiving, leaving a noticeable void in production for this year's unit.

NAME TO KNOW — Hunter Lotulelei. The last name should be familiar. The junior is oozing with talent, and will eventually transform into a legitimate star at this level.

2016 SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 — at Mountain Crest, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-28, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — OLYMPUS, 7 p.m. (Won, 24-3)

Sept. 2 — SKY VIEW, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-11)

Sept. 9 — at Bountiful, 7 p.m. (Won, 14-7, in OT)

Sept. 16 — BOX ELDER, 7 p.m. (Won, 38-28)

Sept. 30 — at Woods Cross, 7 p.m. (Won, 31-17)

Oct. 6 — at Davis, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 — EAST, 7 p.m. (Lost, 31-6)

Oct. 19 — at Bonneville, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-35, in 3OT)

VERDICT — Highland is the definition of consistency. The Rams will compete for a region championship, qualify for the postseason, and be a legitimate threat to make a deep run. That scenario is all too common for this program.

PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION: Second.